Magic show this Saturday at Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Yes! So happy to see the return of the Saturday Morning Family Series at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. This season begins with “Magic with Margaret Steele,” and you will love it: excellent magic and a fun rapport with the audience, all accompanied by a beautiful classical music soundtrack. Magic with Margaret Steele takes place on Saturday, February 2 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $7 for children, $9 for adults and seniors.
The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit www.centerforperformingarts.org. To learn more about the performer, visit www.magicalmargo.com.
SUNY-New Paltz hosts DanceFest this Saturday
I’m still proud of my Level 1 Line Dance certificate that I earned at my SUNY-Ulster class this past fall; but as much as I enjoy kicking and shuffling through the Cowboy Charleston, I’m mesmerized by dance performances of all genres. If you have a dance-lover in your family, mark your calendars for the coolest dance event of the season: the Vanaver Caravan’s 21st annual DanceFest! 2013. This event features performances from 11 area dance schools, including Irish dance, ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop and tumbling.
DanceFest takes place on Saturday, February 2 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., with a snow date slated for Sunday, February 3. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 12 years and under. McKenna Theatre is located at SUNY-New Paltz at 1 Hawk Drive in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 256-9300 or visit www.vanavercaravan.org.
Civil Rights Storytelling, Puppet Show and Music in Rosendale this Saturday
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, 1926 formed the beginnings of what is now recognized as Black History Month during the month of February. The Town of Rosendale has some great events planned in celebration of Black History Month.
A “Civil Rights Storytelling, Puppet Show and Music” show takes place this Saturday, February 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, located at 794 Springtown Road in Tillson. This free event is open to all ages and features Tara Burke, Amadou Diallo, Fre Atlast and Amy Trompetter.
I can feel the passion behind this show. Victoria Christgau and Fre Atlast have been performing their educational program, “The Civil Rights Movement through Story and Song,” for the last ten years. Trompetter’s Redwing Blackbird Theater brings puppets into communities and makes shows and parades with people who do not normally do theater. What a powerful way to begin the month!
For more information, contact Maryellen Whittington-Couse at maryellenwcouse@gmail.com.
Young Artist Talent Search winners at Towne Crier in Pawling, Midwinter Concert at Kingston’s Temple Emanuel this Sunday
I am pleased to mention two special musical events taking place this Sunday afternoon, February 3.
As I wrote in the December 27, 2012 Kids’ Almanac, the winners of the local Young Artist Talent Search are an amazing group of teen musicians. I encourage you to bring your family to this Sunday’s special Showcase Matinee, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy originals and covers by each of the Talent Search winners: Madi Guski, the A-J Twinz and Sawyer Fredericks. Support these talented young people and enrich your own musical life by attending their show. I can’t wait for you to hear them!
The Showcase Matinee takes place on Sunday, February 3 at 2 p.m. at the Towne Crier Café, located at 130 Route 22 in Pawling. Tickets cost $10, available in advance or at the door. For reservations or more information, call (845) 855-1300 or visit https://townecrier.com. For a sample of the talents of these musicians, visit Madi Guski, ThreeJW or Windrake Farm on YouTube as well as on Facebook.
For a fun mix of music, from delightful classical to contemporary reggae, kids are encouraged to “bring their grownups” to the Midwinter Concert taking place this Sunday, February 3. Two bands will perform: Sixteen Strings, a string quartet that engages and amuses audiences of all ages, begins the program; then Rocky and the Pressers will move you with their awesome sound and groove. They’ve been described as “intelligent, charming and passionate,” and the fact that they’re playing right here in Kingston, for free, is pretty exciting. A free daytime concert with excellent family-friendly music that feels good: You want to make this one.
The Midwinter Concert, a joyous celebration of the lives of Jaik and Polly Miller, begins at 1:45 p.m. at Temple Emanuel, located at 243 Albany Avenue in Kingston. For more information, contact Martin Miller at marbmiller@aol.com. To learn more about the performers, visit www.rockyandthepressers.com.
Kids’ cooking workshop this Sunday at Adams in Poughkeepsie
I love shopping at Adams Fairacre Farms, so the fact that it offers free workshops just adds to my happiness. Here’s one that sounds perfect for Kids’ Almanac readers: On Sunday, February 3 at 1 p.m., join Chef O, Olivia Hill, for the “Kids Cook with Your Parents” workshop at the Poughkeepsie Adams. Just think: cooking with the family, without messing up your own kitchen! Maybe you’ll even make something for the Superbowl that evening.
Adams is located at 765 Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie (which just happens to be across from the drive-through Starbucks, in case that’s helpful information). For more information, call (845) 454-4330 or visit https://adamsfarms.com.
Egg sandwich in a hurry
Well, my friend’s local Be Your Best Mom (BYBM) blog has saved the day again. I like the idea of sending my husband off to work after a good breakfast, but in reality, I’ve just been shoving an apple Nutri-Grain bar in his lunchbag. But now he gets an egg sandwich to start his day! Any morning that he wants one! I’ve shocked even myself.
Inspired by BYBM’s “Money-Saving Breakfast Sandwiches” post in November, I gave it a shot. I made each component of the sandwich, let them cool, then froze each sandwich individually. Now I just thaw one in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the morning, shake on some salt, pepper, ketchup and Frank’s Hot Sauce, and he’s good to go!
I love my smart Hudson Valley friends. Thanks, https://beyourbestmom.com!
Erica Chase-Salerno lives in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com, where she learns parenting tips such as using a glue gun to block holes in bath toys to prevent mildew, or what the heck a Nose Frida is. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
